Connecting
over 25 millions NRIs worldwide |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||
 |
BADAL GIVES NOD FOR SEWERAGE SYSTEM UNDER NBA IN 142 VILLAGES AT A COST OF Rs. 1215 CRORE Chandigarh, August 13 BADAL CALLS UPON BANKS TO PLAY A LEADING ROLE IN THE PROMOTION OF AGRICULTURE DIVERSIFICATION PROGRAM IN PUNJAB Chandigarh, August 13 Presiding over a 125th meeting of State Level Bankers Committee (Punjab) convened here by the Punjab National Bank at Hotel Shivalik View, Mr. Badal emphasized the need to enhance the credit flow to agriculture sector for giving impetus to the much needed crop diversification program. He bemoaned that direct agriculture advances have declined from 20.08% to 17.81% and this trend must be reversed without any further delay to encourage the farmers towards diversification. BADAL OFFERS US DOCTORS TO SET UP CANCER RESEARCH CENTRE IN PUNJAB The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today offered all support and cooperation to the Indian origin US Cancer experts Dr. Inderbir Gill and Dr. Parkash Gill for setting up a research centre for ‘New Cancer Drug Development and Manufacture’ facility in the state. An assurance to this effect was given by Mr. Badal to the visiting doctors accompanied by the Cabinet Minister Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, who called on him here at Chief Minister’s residence this morning. Taking part in the deliberations, the doctors assured the Chief Minister that they were committed to build World best ‘Cancer Drug Development and Genetic Testing’ facility in Punjab as they had a long experience in this field. They said their proven track of expertise and experience in the field of cancer research would help them to create new Genetic Testing for Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer in the state, probably the first of its kind in the country. The Chief Minister apprised them about the laudable steps taken by the state government in curbing the deadly menace of cancer by setting up of Super Specialty Cancer Hospitals at Bathinda and Faridkot besides upgrading the government hospitals to provide the best health care facilities to the cancer patients. He also said that the Chief Minister’s Cancer Fund has been created for the timely treatment of cancer patients adding he said a world class Tata Cancer Research Centre & Hospital was coming up at Mullanpur. Mr. Badal asked them to send a detailed proposal of their project to the Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare Mrs. Vinni Mahajan and Health Advisor to the state government Dr. KK Talwar so that a final decision could be taken at the earliest. He also suggested them to set up their proposed Cancer Research Centre at the upcoming Medicity in Mullanpur and offered all support to them. SUKHBIR FINALISES CONTOURS OF THIRD PARTY AUDIT OF PANCHAYATS · PUNJAB TO BE DIVIDED INTO 5 ZONES CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 13: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today gave the final shape to contours of Third Party External Audit on audit of money spent by 13047 Panchayats on the various development works of villages. It may be mentioned that Punjab would be the first state in the country that would conduct the third party financial and performance audit of village works. PUNJAB APPOINTs SUPERVISORS FOR EVALUATION OF ITIs --------- PUNJAB EXTENDS JURISDICTION OF EDUCATIONAL TRIBUNAL Chandigarh, August 13: The Punjab government has extended the jurisdiction of Educational Tribunal Punjab to enable it to hear and decide the cases regarding disputes between the management committee of all educational institutions and their employees. Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Local Bodies Minister, Punjab today directed officers of the department to fast track the proceedings to get the 60 crore loan from HUDCO sanctioned immediately. CM CONDEMNS ATTACK ON THAKUR UDAI SINGH Chandigarh, August 11- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today condemned the attack on the Head of the Namdhari sect Thakur Udai Singh, who was assaulted at Leicester Gurdwara in United Kingdom, today morning. In a statement Mr. Badal said that such attack on Thakur Udai Singh, the Head of Namdhari sect, who always preached the lesson of peace, love and brotherhood must be condemned by one and all. The Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty for his early recovery and well being. --- BADAL GIVES NOD FOR SETTING UP ‘SPORTS INSTITUTE OF JALANDHAR’ · TO BE DEVELOPED ON LINES OF SPORTS SCHOOL GHUDDA THIS INSTITUTE TO GROOM BUDDING PLAYERS OF REGION · EXPERTS OF NIS TO BE ROPED IN FOR ACCOMPLISHING THIS TASK Chandigarh, August 11- In order to give a complete facelift to the existing Sports School and College at Jalandhar, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has asked the Sports Department to develop these institutes as ‘Sports Institute of Jalandhar’ for grooming the budding players of the region to compete in national and international sporting events. Presiding over a high level meeting of the Sports and Education departments to develop ‘Integrated Education and Sports Hub’ on nearly 40 acres of land at Kapurthala Road in Jalandhar, on Saturday at Chief Minister’s residence, the Chief Minister said that this ‘Sports Institute of Jalandhar’ would be completely different from the Centre of Sports Excellence to be developed in the city. Expressing concern over the dilapidated infra structure in Sports School and College, Mr. Badal said that these institutes were established to produce word class players from the region but with the passage of time they have lost their sheen. He said that the need of the hour was to develop both the Sports School and College on the lines of newly set up Sports School at Ghudda near Bathinda to provide ultra modern sports facilities to the young players. Laying thrust on the complete overhaul of these premier Sports institutes, the Chief Minister asked the officers of the Sports Department to rope in the experts from National Institute of Sports (NIS), Patiala to advise them for this herculean task. He said that apart from athletic track and grounds for football, volleyball, basketball, hockey and other games the students should be provided an ultra modern gymnasium for the sporting activities. Likewise Mr. Badal also said that existing Swimming Pool in this institute must be converted into a world-class all weather one so that it could be used throughout the year. The Chief Minister also said that the existing boarding and lodging facilities in both the School and colleges should be expanded so that more and more sportsperson could avail this facility. He also underscored the need for providing separate hostel facility for the school and college students so as to ensure their overall development. ‘The sole motive is to develop the ‘Sports Institute of Jalandhar’ as a nursery from where world class players can be produced’ added Mr. Badal. Deliberating upon the issue of setting up a special school for the meritorious students securing 80% or more marks in the Government schools on six acres land along with Sports School and College, the Chief Minister said that all these three institutions should have separate entities with Sports school and college acting as catalyst of promoting sports while the Special school giving thrust to professional education to the bright students. He said that the boarding and lodging facilities besides the campus of these institutes must be completely separated from each other to fulfill the basic motive behind setting up these institutes. Mr. Badal asked the Education and Sports Department to co-ordinate with the Town Planning department and PUDA for ensuring judicious use of every inch of land available with them to promote sports and education in region. Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Principal Secretary Education Mrs. Anjali Bhawra, Secretary Sports Mr. Ashok Gupta, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Deputy Commissioner Jalandhar Mrs. Shruti Singh, Director Sports Mr. Shiv Dular Singh and Chief Architect Mrs. Swapna. -- WOULD NOT ALLOW MILITANCY TO RAISE ITS UGLY HEAD AGAIN-SUKHBIR PAYS OBEISANCE AT GOLDEN TEMPLE ALONG BATHINDAMEMBER PARLIAMENT Mrs. HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL
AMRITSAR, AUGUST 11: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today assured the people of Punjab that Punjab Government would not allow militancy to raise its ugly head again in the state. Mr. Badal, who was here along with his wife and Bathinda Member Parliament Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal to pay obeisance at Golden Temple, was responding to a media query regarding letters purportedly written by militants being received by certain section of people and said that Punjab Government was keeping an eye on all such elements and during last five years the Punjab Police had busted three major militant modules and prevented major militant strikes. He said that it was unfortunate that Union Government was not performing its duty in raising the modernisation grant of Punjab Police, with Punjab being a border state. Mr. Badal said that it was our fundamental duty to protect the lives of the citizens and would not allow anyone to fiddle with hard earned peace of the state. On a question regarding development projects of the Amritsar district, Mr. Badal said that he has already approved a comprehensive plan for this Holy City and on completion of this plan, you would not be able to recognise Amritsar city. He said that his aim was to put Holy City Amritsar on International Tourist Circuit as it was emerging as a hub of Development of South-East Asia. Mr. Badal said that he has already reviewed the execution of projects and set aside requisite funds for each project. Reviewing the progress of Golden Temple Plaza, Mr. Badal said that he has conducted the review of this project to ensure that it could be dedicated to the world community on schedule. He said that Golden Temple would witness the completion of its prestigious project of Underground Plaza by the end of this year as the work was on full swing and it would be on the advanced stage of completion within few months. He said that this unique project would prove a boon for thousands of daily tourists from across the world as there would be audio-video information system to know the history and rich Sikh heritage besides a world class auditorium. Answering a query regarding proposed welfare schemes of state government, Mr. Badal said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has finalised various schemes for the welfare and betterment of poverty stricken families of Punjab. He said that in few days the CM would unveil the Cashless Insurance Scheme for Atta Daal beneficiaries, under which these families would get cashless treatment up to Rs. 30,000 in various top private hospital earmarked by government. He said that for this process was in full swing soon the beneficiaries would get the unique card to avail the scheme. He said that state government has also decided to bring more needy families under the ambit of Atta Daal Scheme and the number of beneficiaries families would be doubled from 15 lakh to 30 lakh in coming days. The Deputy Chief Minister also said that Punjab is going to start Rs. 30000 scholarship for the meritorious students of poor families with a view to get their studies continued. He said that after passing their matriculation exams the students scoring above 80 percent marks would get the scholarship for two years. He also said that Punjab would also provide an insurance cover to all natives of Punjab worth Rs. 1 lakh each. When asked about mechanism to check and monitor of development in villages, Mr. Badal said that Punjab is the first state, which is going to computerise its all more than 13000 Panchayats under E-Panchayat project. He said that under this more than 80% works have been completed and now the state government has decided to conduct six monthly external audits by engaging top private audit companies. Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Inderbir Singh Bolaria, Mr. Rajat Aggarwal, Deputy Commissioner and Mr. Ram Singh, Police Commissioner were also present. - DEPARTMENTS TOLD TO FILE STATUS REPORTS OF COURT CASES THREE DAY PRIOR TO THE DATE OF HEARING CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 11: The Punjab Government has directed all the departments to file written statements and status reports of court cases at least three day prior to the date of hearing. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Home Affairs and Justice Department of Punjab Government said that the department have also been instructed to make provision on their respective websites for the people to express and send their grievances so that the Government may respond adequately and promptly. He said that it has been noticed that the departments are not particular about written statements and status reports due to be filed in the court of law. He said that taking strong exception of such practices these instructions have been issued. - TOTAL FACELIFT OF AMRITSAR AND PATIALA MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSTELS SOON - BHAGAT · Rs. 10 CRORE SETS ASIDE FOR COMPLETE REVAMP · SAD-BJP GOVERNMENT WOULD CREATE HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT BY ENSURING ALL AMENITIES CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 11: The Hostels of Medical Colleges at Amritsar and Patiala would witness a complete facelift within few months as Rs. 10 crore has been sanctioned for the renovation of hostels of these prestigious institutions. Mr. Chuni Lal Bhagat, Medical Education and Research Minister, Punjab stating this here today informed that the process of revamping both hostels has been started while the physical construction work would very soon as all the formalities have been completed. He said that it was the long pending demand of students due to poor conditions of hostels and now the Government has set aside Rs. 10 crore from the Punjab Ledger Account, 5 crore each for both hostels, to fulfil this demand. Divulging the details of facilities to be provided in the hostels, Mr. Bhagat said that both hostles would be made world class by equipping ultra modern facilities with a quality work. He said that after renovation these hostels would have state-of-the-art student rooms, Reading Rooms, Common Rooms with entertainment facilities, washrooms, parking facilities besides having green belts around the buildings and upgrading the infrastructure from the current session. The Minister said that the construction and renovation work would be completed under the supervision of Punjab Health System Corporation. He said that renovated hostels would be dedicated to the students soon after the completion of work within stipulated deadline. Reiterating the resolve of SAD-BJP Government to provide healthy and congenial environment to the students in their respective institutions, Mr. Bhagat said that Punjab would further strengthen the infrastructure in the educational institutions in coming time. - HIEF MINISTER’S OFFICE, PUNJAB CABINET OKAYS SIMPLIFIED REGULARIZATION PROCESS OF UNAUTHORIZED COLONIES · GREEN SIGNAL TO PUNJAB PREVENTION OF HUMAN SMUGGLING RULES, 2013 · CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE UNDER DEPUTY CM CONSTITUTED FOR RESTRUCTURING OF PWSSB · NOD TO AMEND PUNJAB COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES ACT, 1961 TO BRING IN MORE PROFESSIONALISM IN COOPERATIVES BANKS · SHAHEED KARNAIL SINGH ISSRU’S ANCESTRAL HOME TO BE REFURBISHED · ECO SENSITIVE ZONE FOR ALL THE SANCTUARIES OF PUNJAB REDUCED FROM 10 KM TO 100 METERS · GOVERNMENT COLLEGE FOR GIRLS AT JALALABAD AND GOVERNMENT COLLEGE AT AMARGARH TO START FROM CURRENT ACADEMIC SESSION · GO AHEAD FOR RATIONALIZED INDUCTION AND PROMOTION POLICY FOR OUTSTANDING SPORTS PERSONS IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT Chandigarh, August 9 The Punjab Cabinet today gave nod for the revised policy for regularization of unauthorized colonies with an emphasis on simplified procedure and reduction in the rates of composition and regularization fees. A decision to this effect was taken in a Cabinet meeting chaired by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here at Punjab Bhawan this evening. Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that now under the revised policy of regularization of unauthorized colonies, the composition fee for regularization of such colonies has been linked with collector rate to remove the ambiguity among different zones. Now 0.5% of the collector rate (as on April 1, 2013) would be charged for compounding of colonies established before 2007 with the minimum cap of Rs. 25000/- per acre and maximum Rs. 1.00 lac per acre and 2% of the collector rate would be charged for colonies established after 2007 with the minimum cap of Rs. 1.00 lac per acre and maximum cap of Rs. 5.00 lac per acre. However, the charges for colonies having area above 20 acres, the composition fee would be 5% of the collector rate for colonies established after August 17, 2007. The residential plots measuring up to 50 sq. yards in all the residential colonies and plots up to 100 sq. yards in slum areas shall be exempted under this policy. Separate rates have been fixed for regularization of industrial and commercial colonies and plots/buildings. The regularization charges for plots/buildings have also been reduced. To establish the percentage of sale of plots, the sale deed as well as the registered full and final payment agreement shall be considered. By linking the composition fee with collector rates the ambiguity created by establishing different zones in the earlier policy had also been removed. Overlapping of two zones would not be any problem in this policy. Under the revised policy, a provision of easy payment in installments has been made. Now the colonizer does not have to pay 25% of the total charges along with application and he can deposit 10% of the total charges along with application and rest 15% charges shall be paid within 30 days from the date of application submitted by him. The composition fee for regularization of unauthorized colonies falling under category A-III has been reduced from 25% of the total composition fee to 10% keeping in view the fact that in this case the colonizer has to pay CLU, EDC, SIF charges etc. as per present rates to get license for the colony. The provision for self-certification and simplified procedure has also been made with which the plot holders/building owners in unauthorized colonies could get their plots/buildings regularized by paying charges fixed under this policy even if the offence of the Colonizer has not been compounded so far. The last date for submission of applications would be within 45 days from the date of notification of this policy. In another landmark decision the Cabinet also approved Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Rules, 2013 for regulating the trade of travel agencies and consultants. These rules envisaged that a person desirous of undertaking the profession of travel agent or consultant or who was already in this profession on the date of commencement of the act would have to seek a license from the state government by depositing the requisite documents along with the prescribed fee. The license valid for five years would be renewed after the submission of fee of renewable fee. To ensure the development of infrastructure in the state, the Cabinet also gave go ahead to PUDA for mobilizing funds to the tune of Rs. 1000 crore from banks/financial institutions against OUVGL properties. These funds would give further fillip to development works in the state. The Cabinet also approved to constitute a cabinet sub-committee for re-structuring Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board (PWSSB) under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal. This step is being taken in view of the massive sewerage works being undertaken in the cities of the state. In order to bring in far more professionalism in the Cooperative Banks, the Cabinet also approved amending section 26 (2) (a) of the Punjab Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 to vest the power with Govt. for appointing Managing Directors of the Central Cooperative Banks also from amongst the experts in the field of banking, management and finance. It may be recalled that the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Central Cooperatives Banks are presently elected by the respective Board of Directors (BoDs). Similarly, the Managing Directors are also elected by the BoDs. Since the Reserve Bank of India has now laid down stringent procedure for granting a license to the Central Cooperative Banks, deviance or non-compliance would adversely affect the refinance from NABARD. Hence it had become imperative to bring efficiency in the management of these Banks. The Cabinet also decided to rationalize the collection of water rates by charging the existing water cess @ Rs. 150 per acre per year from the actual users from canal water only to the extent of their actual irrigated area; and further to notify that the charges of all type of crops should be recoverable in two equal installments of Rs. 75 per acre payable by 31st May and 30th November respectively every year and that the above should continue to be applicable to other means of irrigation on which the water rates were presently applicable. The Cabinet also decided to impose a uniform forfeiture of fixed 10% of the total amount of the consideration money in case of resumption proceedings. It may be recalled that as per provision of section 45 (3) of the Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development Act, 1995 in the event of non-depositing the dues of property in time by the allottees, allotment could be cancelled and 10% of the total deposits be forfeited. The Estate Officers of the various Urban Development Authorities forfeited the amount which varies from 1% to 10% of the consideration money, and was not in uniformity and resulted in undue litigation. As a befitting tribute to the great martyr of Goa Liberation Movement Shaheed Karnail Singh Issru, the Cabinet also approved to undertake upgradation of road leading to Issru village, adding more rooms to the existing school and also sanctioned required money for repair of the ancestral home of Shaheed Karnail Singh Issru at village Issru in district Ludhiana. The Cabinet also gave nod to keep only 100 meter Eco Sensitive Zone for all the sanctuaries of Punjab. It may be recalled at present restrictions regarding Eco sensitive zone was up to 10 KM from boundaries of sanctuaries which results that all cases of establishment of industries, construction of roads etc. were sent to GoI for sanction. By restricting Eco Sensitive Zone up to 100 meter, cases pertaining to all departments need GoI’s sanction within this limit. The Cabinet also gave approval to amend the toll notification issued by the PWD (B&R) No. S.O. II/P.A. 13/1998/S.R. 2,3 & 4/2004 dated July 8, 2004 under provisions of the Punjab Mechanical Vehicles (Bridges & Roads Tolls) Act, 1998 regarding determining the toll rates to be levied and collection from certain users of Highways, Byepasses, Bridges and ROBs/RUBs (as constructed and operated and maintained through concessionaire). The existing toll policy (notification) was issued by the state government more than eight years back. Now, there was a dire need to issue new notification in order to ensure the best industry practices being followed by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRT&H), GoI and various other state governments are put in place in the Punjab state also. The toll notification required a re-visit to rationalize the prevailing toll charges and also to bring it on lines with policies followed by MoRT&H and other states for ensuring effective and smooth implementation for development of toll roads projects on BOT basis. The cabinet also approved the scheme for accelerated upgradation of state roads by raising funds to the tune of Rs. 1000 crore from financial institutions through Punjab Road and Bridges Development Board to improve the crust thickness and riding quality of the roads. The roads would be executed with long term maintenance liabilities. After completion of upgradation, the roads would be put to tolling contracts and the revenue thus received through toll system would be utilized in re-payment of loan to financial institution/banks. The cabinet also gave green signal to start Government College for Girls at Jalalabad (district Fazilka) and Government College at Amargarh (district Sangrur) from the current academic session to uplift the standard of higher education in Punjab. Both Fazilka and Sangrur were educationally backward districts with the very low gross enrollment ratio. With the opening of these colleges, the long standing demand of the residents of the areas would be fulfilled one hand and the students of SC, BC and other poor communities would get more opportunities of receiving higher education at affordable fee on the other. The Cabinet also okayed the Punjab Agricultural (Group-A) Services Rules, 2013. It may be recalled that the Punjab Agricultural (Group-A) Service is presently governed 1975 Rules and thereafter new posts have been created in different wings of Agriculture Department and names and designated of many posts have also changed. The new rules now provide for segregation of the cadres and provide for a clear line of promotion on the basis of seniority-cum-merit. The Cabinet also gave green signal to transfer 83 acres of land of Punjab State Industries Export Corporation (PSIEC) to the Jail department for the construction of District Jail over this land at Goindwal Sahib in Taran Tarn district. In lieu of this land, the Jail department would transfer 78 acres out of 278 acres of its land in Open Jail Nabha to the PSIEC for the construction of Industrial Focal Point. From the remaining 200 acres land the Jail department would transfer 100 acres of land to Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA). The Cabinet also approved a rationalized induction and promotion policy for outstanding sports persons in the Police department. Any sportsperson winning Gold, Silver, Bronze medal in Asian, Commonwealth, World Cup and Olympics would be offered Class-1 post in the State Police department. Any policeman earning medals in the National Police Games or other National level Games would earn points which would enable him to earn accelerated promotion. - NEED TO OVERHAUL INDIAN POLITICAL SYSTEM-YOUTH CAN REVIVE WRECKED SYSTEM OF COUNTRY-HARSIMRAT
- Chandigarh August 9: Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member Parliament from Bathinda today said that it is call of the day to overhaul the wrecked system of Great India and our young, energetic, hi-tech generation can make this dream true with their vital contribution in making India a ‘strong nation’. Presiding over a function here today, Mrs. Badal appreciating the initiative of the media group in bringing achievers on a common platform to discuss future scenario said that it was matter of great pride for us that our youngsters have brought revolutions in different sectors including Information Technology, Medical, Engineering, Automobiles etc in the world. She said that our young generation and the achievers can change our ‘conservative’ system by playing a vital role in the development and progress of our nation. She said that holding of constructive and conclusive discussions for young generations would also further the cause. Giving a call to the achievers and youth to give back to society, Mrs. Badal said that it should be top priority of those youngsters, who have achieved their goals, to pay back to the society for building up a strong nation. She said that this kind act of established youth would give an inspiration to younger generation paving a way to make our nation, a great nation. Mrs. Badal mentioned that in recent moves against ill-practices of our system and social evils, young generation has played a big role in educating and making the masses aware of the facts. She said that youth should not hesitate to take a stand against social evils and corrupt practices as their small resistance can eliminate these indelible scars from our country’s face. She said that the Punjab Government has created a helpline for the facilitation of people to register their plaints against such practices and to safeguard the dignity and security of women. Expressing concern over the primary desire of youngsters in our country, Mrs. Badal said that majority of the surveys have reflected that job with its complete security was the major need of our youngsters. She said that Governments should create more and more job opportunities for the welfare of youth. Lauding the role of Punjab Government in this area by providing jobs to more than 1.5 lakh youth in few years, Mrs. Badal said that Punjab has taken phenomenal strides in this sector by providing jobs to youth with attractive salaries in transparent manner and on the basis of pure merit. Mrs. Badal also gave a clarion call and exhorted the youth of country to refurbish the corrupt and wrecked political structure by ousting ‘lotus eaters’ from the political scene of country in coming elections. She said such leaders of Indian polity should also understand the fact that the electorates have become wise enough and now they wants action and fulfillment of promises made to them before elections. She said that Punjab, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh were the clear examples, where electorates reposed their faith repeating the incumbent governments due to their massive development initiatives. - BAJWA IS IN REALY PITIABLE CONDITION-SUKHBIR · NEITHER HIGH COMMAND NOR PUNJAB UNIT CARES ABOUT HIM · CONGRESS MLAs PETITIONING SANGAT DARSHAN REFLECTS EFFECTIVENESS OF PROGRAMS · WITH ALL WICKETS GONE PPP NON EXISTENT IN STATE MALOUT, AUGUST 9: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today said that Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa was in a really pitiable condition with neither Congress High Command nor Punjab Congress Unit owning him. Mr. Badal, after administering oath of office to 269 Sarpanches and 2029 Panches of Muktsar district, was replying to a query with regarding Bajwa mocking at Durga Shakti Nagpal, Punjab Cadre IAS officer, posted in UP and said that Congress has lost its moral right to make an issue of Sand Mining as yesterday alone in a neigbouring Congress ruled Himachal Pradesh sand mining mafia had trying to kill SDM Nalagarh Younis Khan, a batch mate of Durga Shakti. He said that Congress always flourished with Scams and sand mining crisis all over the country are result of deliberate policy of scarcity created by Environment Ministry of Congress led UPA government. He said that mining lobby whether in Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand or Punjab or it may be Balery in Karnatka has direct patronage of Congress politicians, who have been directly controlling the strings of supply and demand of mining products to keep their prices artificially high. He said that let Mr. Bajwa stage a Dharna before Environment Ministry and perform his duty as Member Parliament to get all pending clearances cleared to ease the situation in the state. When questioned about repeated barging of Congress MLAs in CMs Sangat Darshans, Mr. Badal repeated petitioning of Congress MLAs in a novel program of Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Sangat Darshan shows effectiveness at the ground level. He said that no body in Delhi or in Congress High Command recognized Congress MLAs and they know that if they raise an issue before Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal regarding their constituency, it would be effectively solved. He said that CM welcomes every citizen of Punjab, irrespective of their party affiliation and it was imperative for Congress MLAs to get pending projects in various Union Ministeries sanctioned expeditiously. He said that every one was welcome in the Sangat Darshan if he was not coming to disrupt it to create media hype. Lauding the role of Mr. Manjit Singh GK, President Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, Mr. Badal said that GK effectively resisted the Airport Authority of Italy, the birth place of Sonia Gandhi, and said that Congress led UPA Government has failed to protect the interests of Sikh community all over the world. He said that if instead of reacting to crisis in Italy, the Union Government had sensitized all countries regarding importance of turban, the situation would not have risen. On being asked about the existence of People’s Party of Punjab, Mr. Badal said that this proxy group of Congress Party has non existent in Punjab as all wickets of it have fallen. Answering a query regarding return of Manpreet in Shiromani Akali Dal, Mr. Badal said that it would be decided by the Party whether to bring him back or not. Earlier Mr. Badal addressing the gathering of Sarpanches, Panches and SAD-BJP workers of Muktsar district in Grain Market Malout said that all the villages of Punjab would witness the holistic development as the Punjab Government has constructed a special fund of Rs. 10000 crore for this purpose. He said that to make Panchayats more prompt and effective, the E-panchayats project started by Punjab Government would be completed soon as the 80 percent works have been completed. He said that all the Panchayats would be computerized after completion of this project and Punjab will become the No. 1 state in the country having E-Panchayats. He said that Punjab has already released Rs. 1700 crore for the repair of village link roads and construction of new link roads in villages, where needed. He exhorted newly elected Sarpanches and Panches to come forward for the overall development of their respective villages leaving behind the petty politics to make Punjab a No.1 State in the country. Earlier Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister, Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya, Member Parliament and Mr. Harpreet Singh MLA, Malout spoke about the development initiatives of Punjab Government. Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Mr. Manjit Singh Barkandi, District President SAD, Mr. Dayal Singh Kolianwali, SGPC Member, Mr. Hardeep Singh Dimpi Dhillon Constituency Incharge, Mr. Kanwarjit Singh Rozy Barkandi, Constituency Incharge Muktsar and Mr. Tejinder Singh Middu Khera, Chairman Co-operative Society. - MALERKOTLA TO BE DEVELOPED AS ‘MODEL CITY’ PUNJAB URDU ACADEMY TO BE RECOGNIZED BY STATE GOVERNMENT MUSLIM BRETHREN TO GET DUE REPRESENTATION IN BOARDS AND CORPORATIONS OF STATE GOVERNMENT Malerkotla (Sangrur), August 9- In a major Eid bonanza to the Muslim brethren of the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced development works worth Rs 25.30 crore in the historic town of Malerkotla. Addressing a massive gathering here after offering prayers at the local Eid Gah, the Chief Minister congratulated the people on this sacred festival which symbolizes universal brotherhood, peace and amity. Mr. Badal further said that the state government was duty bound to develop the historic town of Malerkotla and it would be spruced up as ‘Model Town’. The Chief Minister further said that no stone would be left unturned to ensure a comprehensive and all-round development of this city for which a roadmap has been already prepared. He further said that the city would be equipped with the ultra modern infra structure and basic civic amenities for which the efforts were on foot. Announcing a series of bonanzas for the city, the Chief Minister said that while Rs 10 crore each would be spent on the development of two blocks of Malerkotla I and Malerkotla II, another sum of Rs 5 crore would be spent on providing the sewerage facilities to the wards of city. Likewise he said that Rs 25 lakh would be spent on the construction of Haj Centre in the Eid Gah whereas Rs 5 lakh would be utilized for the construction of a beautiful park near the local Mosque. Mr. Badal said that besides this a number of other initiatives were being taken by the state government to develop this town of historical and cultural importance. The Chief Minister also said that in order to promote Urdu literature and language in the state, Punjab Urdu Academy, Malerkotla would be soon accorded recognition by the state government. The Chief Minister categorically said that a member of the Muslim brethren would be soon handed over a coveted responsibility in the Punjab Minority Commission. Likewise he said that the community would also be given due representation in the Boards and Corporations of the state government. ‘We are highly indebted to the Muslim community for rallying solidly behind SAD-BJP in turbulent times’ added Mr. Badal. The Chief Minister said that the state government was laying special emphasis for imparting quality education to the youngsters of Malerkotla for which concerted efforts were being made. He also said that in a significant decision our government has also extended the facility of Shagun scheme to the Muslim daughters too. Mr. Badal also said that in the same manner the state government has also ensured that land was provided for the burial grounds of the Muslim community across the state. Recalling the age old ties between the Muslims and Sikhs, the Chief Minister said that the fact that the foundation stone of Sri Harmandir Sahib, the most revered place of Sikhs, was laid down by Sain Mian Meer exhibited the strong bond of unity and brotherhood amongst both the communities. He said that Sikhs could never repay the noble gesture made by the Nawab of Malerkotla by raising voice against the execution of ‘Chotta Sahibzadas’ at Sirhind. Mr. Badal said that every demand made by the people of this city was a ‘divine order’ for them and the state government would leave no stone unturned to fulfill it. Exhorting the Muslim Community to play a proactive role in fighting the maladies like drug addiction, the Chief Minister said that it was the need of hour to save the future of our younger generations. Mr. Badal also called upon the Muslim brethren to safeguard the ethos of communal harmony, universal brotherhood and peace in the state. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mrs. Farzana Aalam, Chairman Punjab Waqf Board Janaab Mohammed Izhaar Aalam, MLA Mr. Iqbal Singh Jhunda, former Minister Janaab Nusrat Ikraam Khan Bagge, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Inspector General of Police (Patiala Range) Mr. Ishwar Singh, Deputy Commissioner Sangrur Mr. Kumar Rahul and Senior Suprintendent of Police Mr. MS Sidhu. -- SUKHBIR LASHES AT CONGRESS LED UPA GOVERNMENT FOR FAILING TO PROTECT PUNJABIs IN PHILLIPINES -- · BAJWA REALY IN PITIABLE CONDITION · NEITHER HIGH COMMAND NOR PUNJAB UNIT CARES ABOUT HIM · CONGRESS MLAs PETITIONING SANGAT DARSHAN REFLECTS EFFECTIVENESS OF PROGRAMS · ADMINISTERS OATH TO 344 SARPANCHES AND 2457 PANCHES OF MOGA DISTRICT MOGA, AUGUST 9: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today lashed at Congress led UPA Government for failing to discharge its duty to protect the lives of Punjabis residing in Philippines. Speaking to media persons after administering oath of office to newly elected 344 Sarpanches and 2457 Panches of Moga district here today Mr. Badal said that it was unfortunate that every third day, a Punjabi was being murdered in Manila and Union Government has failed to seriously address the issue. He said that it was matter of great shame that what to call of protesting against killings of Indian citizens, the Indian Government has not even written a single letter to Philippine government against this. He said that it was matter of great regret that with Minister of State for External Affairs being a Punjabi, Punjabis are not safe in any country. He said that Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa was in a really pitiable condition with neither Congress High Command nor Punjab Congress Unit owning him. Replying to a query with regarding Bajwa mocking at Durga Shakti Nagpal, Punjab Cadre IAS officer, posted in UP and said that Congress has lost its moral right to make an issue of Sand Mining as yesterday alone in a neigbouring Congress ruled Himachal Pradesh sand mining mafia had trying to kill SDM Nalagarh Younis Khan, a batch mate of Durga Shakti. He said that Congress always flourished with Scams and sand mining crisis all over the country was result of deliberate policy of scarcity created by Environment Ministry of Congress led UPA government. He said that mining lobby whether in Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand or Punjab or it may be Balery in Karnatka has direct patronage of Congress politicians, who have been directly controlling the strings of supply and demand of mining products to keep their prices artificially high. He said that let Mr. Bajwa stage a Dharna before Environment Ministry and perform his duty as Member Parliament to get all pending clearances cleared to ease the situation in the state. When questioned about repeated barging of Congress MLAs in CMs Sangat Darshans, Mr. Badal repeated petitioning of Congress MLAs in a novel program of Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Sangat Darshan shows its effectiveness at the ground level. He said that no body in Delhi or in Congress High Command recognized Congress MLAs and they know that if they raise an issue before Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal regarding their constituency, it would be effectively solved. He said that CM welcomes every citizen of Punjab, irrespective of their party affiliation and it was imperative for Congress MLAs to get pending projects in various Union Ministries sanctioned expeditiously. He said that every one was welcome in the Sangat Darshan if he was not coming to disrupt it to create media hype. Lauding the role of Mr. Manjit Singh GK, President Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, Mr. Badal said that GK effectively resisted the Airport Authority of Italy, the birth place of Sonia Gandhi, and said that Congress led UPA Government has failed to protect the interests of Sikh community all over the world. He said that if instead of reacting to crisis in Italy, if the Union Government had sensitized all countries regarding importance of turban, the situation would not have risen. On being asked about the existence of People’s Party of Punjab, Mr. Badal said that this proxy group of Congress Party has non existent in Punjab as all wickets of it have fallen. Answering a query regarding return of Manpreet in Shiromani Akali Dal, Mr. Badal said that it would be decided by the Party whether to bring him back or not. Earlier Mr. Badal addressing the gathering of Sarpanches, Panches and SAD-BJP workers of Moga said that all the villages of Punjab would witness the holistic development as the Punjab Government has constructed a special fund of Rs. 10000 crore for this purpose. He said that to make Panchayats more prompt and effective, the E-panchayats project started by Punjab Government would be completed soon as the 80 percent works have been completed. He said that all the Panchayats would be computerized after completion of this project and Punjab will become the No. 1 state in the country having E-Panchayats. He said that Punjab has already released Rs. 1700 crore for the repair of village link roads and construction of new link roads in villages, where needed. He exhorted newly elected Sarpanches and Panches to come forward for the overall development of their respective villages leaving behind the petty politics to make Punjab a No.1 State in the country. Earlier Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister and Mr. Tota Singh, MLA Dharamkot and Former Minister also spoke on the occasion about the development initiatives taken by Punjab Government besides welfare schemes introduced recently. . Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Mrs. Rajwinder Kaur, MLA Nihal Singh Wala, Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh, MLA Bagha Purana, Mr. Joginder Pal Jain, MLA Moga and Bibi Paramjit Kaur Gulshan, Member Parliament, Former DGP Mr Paramdeep Singh Gill, Distt. President SAD Mr. Tirath Singh Mahla and Distt. BJP President Mr. Rakesh Sharma also present on the occasion. --------- PUNJAB TO CARVE OUT BURIAL GROUNDS FOR MUSLIMS FROM PANCHAYATI LANDS-SUKHBIR · ALSO ANNOUNCES TO CONSTRUCT HOUSES FOR POOR MUSLIM FAMILIES ON 18 ACRES OF LAND AT BATHINDA · PARTICIPATES IN CEREMONIES OF ID-UL-FITAR BATHINDA, AUGUST 9: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister today said that Punjab Government would soon bring a proposal to carve out burial grounds on Panchayati lands in villages, where Muslims have dense population and this proposal would be finalized within a short span of time with a view to eliminate hurdles of Muslim Community while performing last rites for departed souls. Congratulating Muslim Community on the pious occasion of ID-UL-Fitar while participating in the ceremony in Idgah at Bathinda, Mr. Badal said that the survey to identify villages having Muslim population besides identification of Panchayati lands in their respective villages was on advanced stage of completion and after its completion, the Government would bring the policy, which would be approved within no time. Mr. Badal said that Punjab Government has enough Panchayati lands in Muslim populated villages and the process of carving out burial ground would also be immediately started after completion of remaining formalities. Divulging details of welfare scheme launched by SAD-BJP Government for the betterment of Minorities in the state, Mr. Badal said that Punjab was providing in-toto free educations the minority students under ambitious Ashirwad Scheme up to level of Universities. He said that Minority students can apply online to take benefits of this scheme and contact the concerned district offices for any assistance, if needed. He said that till July this year more than 48000 students had applied under this scheme and it was expected that the number of students will be crossed to 1.5 lakh in current session. He said that Punjab Government is also coming with an ambitious program of health insurance for all poor families in the state, under which cashless treatment of Rs. 30000 would be provided to needy families. He said that for this purpose special insurance cards would be distributed among such families and this process would also be completed within next two-three months. Fulfilling the long pending demands of Muslim Community, Mr. Badal announced that Punjab Government would construct houses for poor Muslim families at Bathinda. He said that the houses would be made on 18 acres of land besides construction of a state-of-the-art school for the children of Muslim families. He also announced a grant of Rs. 10 lakh for cleaning of Idgah Ground and Rs. 2 lakh for construction of Main Gate of Idgah. Mr. Badal on the spot directed district administration to prepare estimates for other remaining works of Idgah and sent directly to them for early execution of estimated works. Felicitating the people of country especially Muslim Community on the eve of holy festival, Mr. Badal said that Eid-Ul-Fitr brings joy and glory to the people on the culmination of the month of holy Ramadan. Meanwhile, Mr. Badal also released a book ‘Malwa Aaeene Islam’ published by Muslim Human Welfare Society. The members of society also honoured Mr. Badal and Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Sarup Chand Singla.
HEALTH OFFICIALS INSTRUCTED TO CONDUCT REGULAR FILED CHECKING TO ENSURE QUALITY HEALTHY SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE: MITTAL · SPECIAL HEALTH CAMPS TO BE ORGANIZED IN PRISONS · OFFICIALS INSTRUCTED TO TAKE NECESSARY STEPS TO START EVENING OPD · CIVIL SURGEONS BRIEFED ABOUT NEW E-DRUG PURCHASE POLICY · INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED FOR PROPER UTILIZATION OF FUNDS & SEND UTILIZATION CERTIFICATES TIMELY · STATE LEVEL CIVIL SURGEONS CONFERENCE ORGANIZED AT FAMILY WELFARE BHAWAN Chandigarh, August 09: All Civil Surgeons & Medical Officers should regularly make surprise visits to the hospitals and in the field. Presiding over a state level conference of civil surgeons Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal Health & Family Welfare Minister, Punjab issued these instructions to ensure quality health services to the people in the state. He also announced to organize special Health camps in prisons for inmates. Health Minister reviewing the progress report of the department instructed the senior officials to take necessary steps to start evening OPD in government hospitals. Expressing satisfaction on the overall projects under taken by the department under National Rural Health Mission Mr. Mittal said that as positive results are seen and faith of people is increasing in government hospital services but he said that more steps should be taken to make health facilities available to the people in backward and underprivileged rural areas. Mrs. Vini Mahajan Principal Secretary, Health directed the officials for timely utilization of funds and send utilization certificates on time. She asked the district officials to start special campaign against drugs with the help of Police department and other social organizations and also advised to use new communication mediums to spread ill effects of drugs. She added that awareness campaigns to stop spreading of other diseases should also be carried out on time to time. Slide show regarding new E-drug purchase policy was also presented in the meeting to aware officials about the implementation of this policy. Problems of the field were also discussed in the meeting and steps were also taken to solve them. The progress report of all the districts was also discussed and suggestions were also presented by the civil surgeons to improve health services in the state. Others prominent present in the meeting were Mrs. Vinni Mahajan Prinicpal Sectary Health, Mr. Husan Lal Director NRHM & Punjab Health Systems Corporation, Dr. Ashok Nayer Director Health, Dr. Kiranjit Singh Director Family Welfare, Dr. Bali Director Health Services (SB) and all the civil surgeons, State Level programme officers and Deputy Medical Commissioner. - CONGRESS SHOULD APOLOGIES TO ARMED FORCES FOR DENIGRATING THEM-SUKHBIR FAZILKA, AUGUST 8: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today lashed at Union Defence Minister Mr. A.K. Antony for denigrating the martyrdom of five brave soldiers of Indian Army, who laid down their lives protecting the frontiers of our country. Speaking to Media persons after administering oath of office to ,,,,, Mr. Badal said that it was unfortunate that Defence Minister of India, who is father figure of our defence forces instead of saluting the martyrdom of our brave soldiers was busy in acting as Defence Minisster of Pakistan. He said that Defence Minister by not protecting the interests of Indian Soldiers and indirectly defending the action of Pakistan Army has breached the oath of elegance to the constitution and no moral right to remain on that seat. He said that Congress Party owes an apology to our armed forces for denigrating the martyrdom of five brave soldiers. Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Mr. Kamal Sharma State President B.J.P. Punjab, S. Sher Singh Ghubaya M.P., Cabinet Minister S. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Cabinet Minister Ch. Surjit Kumar Jiani, S.Mantar Singh Barar CPS, S. Gurtej Singh Ghuriana MLA, S. Satinderjit Singh Manta, S.Charanjit Singh Barar, S. Vardev Singh Maan, ADC S. Charan Dev Singh Maan, Sh. Vipul Ujjval ADC(D) and senior leadership of SAD-BJP were also present. FARIDKOT, AUGUST 8: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today lauded the stand taken by Mr. Manjit Singh GK, President Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee for not allowing Italian Airport authorities to remove his turban and said that his defiant gesture has conveyed to the whole community that Sikhs would not allow anyone to meddle in their internal religious affairs. Talking to media persons after administering oath of office to 213 Sarpanches and 1477 Panches of the district, Mr. Badal said that turban was an intricate part of Sikh personality and nobody in the world has any right to denigrate the pious symbol of their Sikh identity. He said it was unfortunate that various democracies of US, Canada and European countries were adopting parochial and racial approach towards Sikh community, specifically targeting them at the international airport taking the plea of security. He said that Congress led UPA government owes and apology to the Sikh community for failing to give a firm message to all countries not to harass Sikh community at various airports. He said that it was double whammy for the Sikh community that they were being targeted when they are having Sikh Prime Minister in the country. Expressing concern over repeated incidents of targeting of Sikhs especially in Italy Mr. Badal said that there seems to be underlying conspiracy of Congress leadership in this. Decrying Congress led UPA government for fiddling with the martyrdom of five brave soldiers, Mr. Badal said that the country which does not honours its martyrs is destined to fail. He said that it was unfortunate that our Defence Minister instead of saluting their martyrdom, was concentrating all its energy to save the skin of Pakistan. Giving details about the expansion of ongoing welfare schemes and development projects of Punjab Government, Mr. Badal said that with the visionary guidance of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, state government has prepared a plan for complete facelift of the state and the execution of this ambitious project has been started. Mr. Badal said that Punjab would soon double the beneficiary of Atta Daal scheme from 15 lakh families to 30 lakh families besides launching of Scholarship scheme for meritorious students of Rs. 30000, employability allowance of Rs. 1000 to unemployed graduate youth, Rs. 30,000 cashless insurance to all 30 lakh Atta Daal families. He said that state would also provide a health cover to all citizens of Punjab and Special Insurance Cards to be provided to both the beneficiaries of Rs. 30000 insurance scheme and general insurance beneficiaries. He said that Punjab Government has also finalized the proposal of 100 percent sewerage and potable drinking water for Faridkot, Kotkapura and Jaito town and the work on this project would be started soon. He said that a plan under which Rs. 1700 crore would be expended for the repair of village link roads has also been initiated by state government for the facilitation of commuters besides linking of all cities and town with 4/6 lane roads with a project worth Rs. 40000 crore. · HARSIMRAT QUESTIONS THE SOFT APPROACH OF GOVT. TOWARDS HARASSMENT OF SIKHS IN FOREIGN LANDS New Delhi /Chandigarh, August 8: Questioning the soft approach of government towards harassment of Sikhs in foreign lands, Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member Parliament, gave a notice for suspension of Question Hour over the issue, on the fourth day of Monsoon Session of Parliament, here today. Describing the turban as an integral part of the ‘Sikh Identity’, the Member Parliament said that the Union Government must mount pressure on governments of foreign countries to stop the practice of removal of turban on name of ‘Security Check’ at International Airports. She said that removal of turban on the name of security check in the foreign countries was a direct assault on the Sikh Identity and thus badly tormented their psyche. Adding on she said that the grave disrespect to the Sikh Identity consciousness in any form was intolerable. Condemning centre for failure in safeguarding the interests of Sikh community Mrs. Badal said that in order to check this practice the Ministry of foreign affairs through its embassies in various countries must ensure the respective national governments that they must accord due respect to the Turban by desisting from such practices, which hurt the religious sentiments of Sikhs.
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that ridiculous statement of Union Defence Minister Mr. AK Antony on the killing of five Army Jawans in Poonch Sector of Jammu and Kashmir, reflected the non-seriousness of the Congress led UPA government in dealing with the sensitive matters. - PUNJAB CM EXTENDS WARM GREETINGS TO PEOPLE ON ID-UL-FITR CHANDIGARH AUGUST 8: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the people of Punjab especially the Muslim brethren on the eve of Id-ul-Fitr. CHANDIGARH AUGUST 8: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today facilitated the people of Punjab especially the Muslim community on the eve of Id-ul-Fitr. In his message, Mr. Badal said that this festival gives the message of brotherhood, compassion and spirit of sharing besides marking the culmination of the holy month of Ramzan. Calling upon the people to celebrate the festival collectively, Mr Badal said that may this festival spread peace, harmony in Punjab. - MAJITHIA GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF EID-UL-FITR Chandigarh, August 8: Punjab Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today felicitated the people on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr. - Chandigarh, August 8: The Punjab government has restored the facility of Leave Travel Concession (LTC) for its employees with effect from 1 September, 2013. It may be added that Leave Travel Concession facility for the block 2010-13 was suspended temporarily on 29th August, 2012, as an austerity measure. A spokesman of the Punjab government today said that with an aim to reduce the government expenditure the Punjab government has suspended the LTC facility from 1 September, 2012 to 31st August, 2013. He further said that now the officers/employees would be able to avail the LTC facility from 1 September, 2013. - Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the government said that the main function would be held at Red Fort Delhi consisting of the presentation of a Guard of Honour by the Armed Forces and the Delhi Police to the Prime Minister, unfurling of the National Flag followed by the National Anthem and firing of 21 gun salute, speech by the Prime Minister. The school children and NCC Cadets would sing the National Anthem and finally the tri-colored balloons would be released. Chandigarh, August 08: To provide Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation of the Persons with Disabilities the Act related to Persons with disabilities should be strictly implemented in the states. PUNJAB TO CONSTRUCT 3 NEW RAILWAY OVER BRIDGES: DHILLON · ROB’S AT MALERKOTLA, GOBINDGARH AND NORTHERN BYPASS PATIALA APPROVED CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 8: The Punjab Government has approved the construction of three new Railway Over Bridges (ROBs) that would start in the month of October this year. = SAD TO TAKE UP THE CASE OF GUJARAT FARMERS WITH MODI-SUKHBIR
PATHANKOT, AUGUST 5: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that Shiromani Akali Dal would take up the issue of Gujarat farmers with Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and would also provide them total legal support in their ongoing case in the Apex Court. Talking to media persons to after administrating oath to 407 Sarpanches and 2333 panches here today, Mr. Badal blamed Congress Party’s divisive policies for crisis being faced by Gujarat farmers. He said that in 1973 the then Congress Chief Minister in Gujarat issued a circular specifying that if any agriculturist from outside Gujarat purchased land in Gujarat he would be declared non-agriculturist. He said that that circular was made basis to freeze the agriculture holding of Punjabi Farmers in Gujarat putting them in this vicious legal tangle. He said that Congress leaders, who were crying hoarse on this issue should first apologise to the nation for sowing the procule and divisive seeds of regionalism, putting Punjabis farmers in a difficult situation. Promising to provide total legal and political support to Punjabi Farmers facing eviction from Gujarat due to Congress imposed act, Mr. Badal said that he had already issued instructions to Advocate General PUnjab in this regared. Blaming Congress for agrarian crisis being faced by the country, Mr. Badal said that due to pro-multinational policies imposed by Congress led UPA Government like linking the price of petrol and diesel with international crude prices, giving freedom to the multinational fertilizer companies to hike the price of urea and DAP, freeing the rates of insecticides and pesticides besides nominal hike in MSP were pushing farmers in the debt trap. He said that Oxford Economist run government was framing daily new proposals to finish the agriculture sector like wealth tax on agriculture and all these decisions were being made with the singular focus of discouraging farmers from the farming profession. Mr. Badal said that SAD has always fought for the rights of farmers and would not allow Congress led UPA Government to mortgage the economy to the MNCs. Predicting clean sweep for NDA in ensuing Lok Sabha elections, Mr.Badal said that writing on the wall was clear that people of this country have already made up their mind to decimate the congress in the pages of history and bring back NDA to the power with a record margin. He said that all opinion polls have already clearly predicted return of NDA and Congress in desperation was looking for all avenues to loot the remaining treasury of the government. Announcing Health INsurance for all citizens of PUnjab, Mr. Badal said that Punjab would be the first state in the country that has announced this scheme. He also announced free health insurance of Rs. 30000 for 30 lakh atta daal families. Mr. Badals said that Health Department was tying up with all hospitals to provide cashless treatment to all citizens. He said that 108 ambulance service was performing outstanding work as it was reaching even remotest villages within 20 minutes and shifting the patients to the nearest hospitals. Announcing a development bonanza for Pathankot district, Mr. Badal said that he has already fulfilled the demand of residents of this area for carving out new district and said that district Administrative Complex of this new district would be completed within one year, for which he has already sanctioned the funds. He also announced construction of World Class floodlit stadium for Pathankot in which world cup Kabaddi matches would be organized next year. Unveiling a development plan of the state, Mr. Badal said that the SAD-BJP Government has already sanctioned Rs. 17000 crore for linking all cities with 4/6 lane express roads within next two years. He said that Amritsar-Pathankot Road would be 6 laned within one year and work was in the final stage on Pathankot-Jalandhar national highways. He said that new industrial policy gives special concessions to those industries which would be put up in sub-mountain areas and kandi areas of Pathankot district. Mr. Badal said that by December this year Punjab would be the first state in the country that would be Power surplus as three thermal plants with combined investment of Rs. 40000 crore would become operational in next six months. Prominent amongst present on the occasion included Mr Dinesh Babbu, Deputy Speaker Punjab vidhan Sabha, MLA Ashwani Kumar and Sima Devi, Former Minister Mr Sucha Singh langah, Former MP Vinod Khanna, BJP leader Swaran Slaria. --------- BADAL BLAMES CONGRESS FOR CRISIS FACED BY PUNJABI FARMERS IN GUJARAT ASSAILS CONGRESS LEADERSHIP FOR SHEDDING CROCODILE TEARS ON THE ISSUE SAD TO FIGHT POLITICAL AND LEGAL BATTLE TO SAFEGUARD INTERESTS OF PUNJABI FARMERS IN GUJARAT BLAMES CENTRE FOR SCUTTLING AGRICULTURAL DIVERSIFICATION PROGRAM IN STATE Sangrur, August 5- Squarely blaming the Congress for the crisis faced by the Punjabi farmers in Gujarat, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that despite of the fact that the then Congress government had issued a circular regarding it way back in 1973, its leaders were now shamelessly shedding ‘crocodile tears’ on the issue. Talking to the media persons here after administering oath to the newly elected Sarpanchs and Panchs of Sangrur district there today, the Chief Minister categorically said that ever since the inception Congress have always remained anti-farmers in general and anti-Punjab in particular. He said that in 1973 a Congress government of Gujarat had issued a circular that if any agriculturist from outside Gujarat purchases agricultural land in that state, he was declared a non-agriculturist. Mr. Badal said that the decision to freeze agricultural lands of Punjabi farmers was totally based on this circular issued by the Congress government but ironically instead of making any effort to save the farmers of Gujarat, the Congress leadership was making hoarse cry over this matter. The Chief Minister said that it was on record that only Congress could formulate such anti-farmers laws whereas the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has always fought vehemently for safeguarding the interests of the farmers. Citing the example of Wealth Tax, he said that owing to the crusade of SAD against this barbaric tax imposed by the Congress led UPA government; the Centre was forced to roll it back. Mr. Badal in the context of Gujarat farmers also the SAD would fight the political and legal for preserving the interest of Punjabi farmers of Gujarat from the forefront. Earlier addressing the mammoth gathering during the function, the Chief Minister slammed the Congress led UPA government for ruing the farmers of the state. He said that the Punjabi farmers through their sheer hard work had played a vanguard role in making the country self reliant in food production but the wrong policies of the centre government have now brought them on crossroads. Mr. Badal said that due to massive hike in agriculture inputs and lack of remunerative MSP, farming was no longer a profitable venture. The Chief Minister said that though the framers of the state had over exploited their precious resources to feed the nation but the Union government has made them difficult to survive. He said that as now the centre has dragged its feet from purchasing the paddy in future so diversification was the need of the hour. However Mr. Badal said that instead of bailing the farmers out of this mess by crop diversification through a package of Rs 5100 crore as demanded by the state government, the Union government has allocated a minuscule amount of Rs 200 crore, which was a cruel joke with the Punjabi farmers. He said that though on its part the state government was encouraging the farmers to adopt crop diversification but by denying the MSP to Maize and Price support mechanism to Basmati, the Union government was scuttling the efforts of Punjab government. The Chief Minister further said that the state government was laying special thrust on ensuring clean and green Punjab especially in the rural areas for which a major program has been embarked at cost of Rs 400 crore for cleaning of Ponds in the villages. Likewise he said that keeping in view the health and hygiene of people in the rural areas the state government was mulling to shift the sites of dumping the garbage and cow dung from the interior of the villages to specially earmarked vacant Panchayst lands. Mr. Badal said that the decision to this would be taken soon in the upcoming meeting of the Cabinet schedule to take place this week. The Chief Minister said that in order to provide 70 litres potable drinking waste to every resident of village per day the Government has also initiated a major project under which RO systems were being installed in the villages. Likewise he said that efforts were afoot to provide basic civic amenities to the villages at par with the urban areas. Mr. Badal reiterated that the state government was committed to check the trend of migration of population from the villages to cities. The Chief Minister also said that special thrust was being laid by the state government to impart world class education to the meritorious rural students. He said that six special schools were being opened across the state at the cost of Rs 150 crore to provide world class education to the bright rural students after matriculation. Likewise Mr. Badal said that the all the students studying in government schools but securing more than 80% marks in matriculation would also be entitled for Dr Hargobind Khurana post matric scholarship scheme under which Rs 30000 per annum would be given to them by the state government.Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Cabinet Ministers Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Babu Parkash Chand Garg, Sant Balbir Singh Ghunas and Mrs. Farzana Aalam and Chairman Punjab Waqf Board Mr. Mohammed Izhar Aalam. ----------- COMMON INTERACTIVE WEB PORTAL FOR ALL THE ITIs SOON: JOSHI STUDENTS TO GET INFORMATION OF THE TRADES AND FACULTY ON PORTAL CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 5: The Punjab government is all set to have a common interactive web portal for all the industrial technical institutes (it is) in the state. This web portal would provide every kind of information like the new trades, availability of facilities and faculty in each ITI. Stating this here today Mr. Anil Joshi, Technical Education and Industrial Training Minister, Punjab said that the students would be able to get every kind of information regarding ITIs sitting in their homes by the click of mouse. He said that the students would also evaluate their performance in training by using the special designed format of this web site. He said that any students looking forward to get admission in ITI would get every information on this portal including the availability of trades and facility members for that trade. The Minister said that this website would also enable the technical education department to monitor the day to day activities of the ITIs across the State. He said that this common website portal is as per the approved format of DGE&T, National Council of Vocational Training and is being designed by National Informatics Centre, (NIC) Punjab. -------- OVER 1.5 LAC GIRL STUDENTS ALL SET TO HAVE BICYCLES · UNDER MAI BHAGGO VIDDYA SCHEME Rs. 47 CRORE TO BE SPENT THIS YEAR CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 5: Over 1.5 lac girl students of Punjab are all set to ride on new bicycles to their school with Punjab government finalizing the plan to distribute these bicycles with in 3 months. The state government has already set aside Rs.47 crore for Mai Bhaggo Scheme under which all girl students of government schools of Class 9th to 12th would be gifted bicycles by the Punjab government. The Punjab Government has already distributed over 1 lakh 11 thousand and 49 bi-cycles to the girl students studying in class 11th and 12th with the cost of Rs. 30 crore last year. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of Punjab government said that Mai Bhaggo Viddya Scheme is the dream project of Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal. He said that this project was envisaged specially to promote education among the girls and to diminish the school dropout rate among girl students of the state. He said that this scheme has been successful as the school dropout rate among the girl child has considerably decreased. He said that the Punjab Government has decided to continue this scheme and the girls studding in class 9th to 12th would be covered. He said that to provide the bi-cycles to the girls from 9th to 12th Budget of Rs. 47 crore has been earmarked by the Punjab government for this financial year. He said that instructions have been issued to the district education officers to prepare the lists of the girls students from class 9th to 12th so that bi-cycles to the remaining could be provided as the earliest. He said that the Punjab government has also rolled out several other welfare schemes for the overall development of the students studding in the government schools. He said that pre matric, post matric scholarships also been extended to the needy and meritorious students. ---------------- NOTED JOURNALIST JANGVEER SINGH APPOINTED AS MEDIA ADVISOR TO DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER Chandigarh, August 02 SARVESH KAUSHAL IS THE NEW PRINCIPAL SECRETARY IRRIGATION Chandigarh, 02 August Kapurthala, August 2- BADAL ASKS OFFICERS TO PREPARE MASTERPLAN FOR ‘INTEGRATED EDUCATION HUB’ AT JALANDHAR P.S.E.B invites applications for the various 61 posts on contract basis CHIEF JUSTICE VISITS ADVOCATE GENERAL’s OFFICE CM ANNOUNCES TO DOUBLE THE BENEFICIARIES OF ATTA-DAL SCHEME FROM EXISTING 15 LAKH TO 30 LAKH ADMINISTERS OATH TO NEWLY ELECTED PANCHES AND SARPANCHS AT AMRISTAR PUNJAB TO BE POWER SURPLUS STATE SOON STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO PROTECT INTEREST OF PUNJABI FARMERS INFO GUJARAT ASSAILS UNION GOVERNMENT FOR FAILURE TO CHECK DRUG TRAFFICKING DEMAND FOR NEW STATES DUE TO DISCRIMINATION OF CENTRE MAJITHIA CONGRATULATES CM AND DEPUTY CM FOR FREE AND FAIR PANCHAYAT POLLS DEMANDS EQUAL SHARE OF DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR EVERY STATE Amritsar, August 1- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the state government would soon widen the ambit of Atta-Dal scheme by doubling the number of beneficiaries of this scheme from current 15 lakh to 30 lakh people. Addressing a mammoth gathering at a function organized to administer the oath to newly elected Panchs and Sarpanchs here today, the Chief Minister, while reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to ensure the well being of the weaker and downtrodden sections of the society, said that this decision has been taken for facilitating more and more number of people to get subsidized food grains. He said that even in future the state government would provide Atta-Dal to the beneficiaries at much more cheaper rates than the existing Rs 4 and Rs 20 for per kilogram of Atta and Dal respectively. Mr. Badal categorically said that the sole aim of extending this scheme was to ensure that not even a single person should starve in the state. Congratulating the newly elected Panchs and Sarpanchs of the villages, the Chief Minister said that by electing them people of villages have entrusted them a huge responsibility of ushering in an era of unparalleled development in the state. He said that the Panches and Sarpanches should join hands with the state government for this herculean task by effectively monitoring the ongoing development works in the rural areas of the state. “On this solemn occasion every one of us should take the pledge to take the state on the zenith of development process by ensuring sustainable development in every sector”, Mr. Badal added. The Chief Minster further said that owing to the stupendous efforts of the state government Punjab would soon become a Power Surplus state. Likewise he said that all the villages of the state would be soon provided the potable drinking water adding that 1507 RO System would be soon installed in the villages. In the same manner Mr. Badal said that Rs 349 crore would be spent on the cleaning of Ponds in the villages. The Chief Minister called upon the farmers to adopt crop diversification for preventing the further depletion of precious resources of state on one hand and to supplement their income on the other. He said that due the escalating costs of agriculture inputs and declining margins of profit, farming was no longer a profitable venture. Moreover Mr. Badal said that with the Union government drawing its foot back from purchasing the paddy, it was the need of the hour that Punjab farmers should adopt crop diversification. The Chief Minister said that with the stupendous hike in the Price of petrol and diesel along with other farming inputs, the beleaguered peasantry of the state was reeling under a heavy debt of Rs 32000 crore. He said that in this crucial hour it was the moral duty of the state government to bail them out by giving them free power. Mr. Badal said that though the state was incurring an additional burden Rs 5000 crore per year for giving free power to the farmers but it was nothing before the valuable contribution made by the peasantry in making the country self reliant in food production. Earlier in his address the Revenue and Information & Public Relation Minister, Punjab, Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia congratulated the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal for strengthening the democracy at the grass root level by conducting free and fair Panchayat polls in the state. Mr. Majithia said that it was on record that every initiative aimed at welfare of the people, whether it was starting of Atta-Dal, Pension or Shagun scheme, had been taken only during the regime of Mr. Badal. He said that even the food security ordinance which has been brought by the Union government was a copied act of SAD-BJP government, which had started this scheme about seven years ago. Batting for the enactment of comprehensive need based scheme for the states, Mr, Majithia said that only such a formula could ensure balanced regional development in the country. He said that it was the need of hour that every state was given equal share of funds for development without any political considerations. The Minister while congratulating the newly elected Sarpanches and Panches called upon them to work whole heartedly for the development of the rural areas. Later on talking to the media persons, the Chief Minister said that he would take up the matter of displacement of Punjabi farmers in the Kutch region of Gujarat, with the Chief Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. Mr. Badal further said that the state government would take every possible step to protect the interests of the Punjabis living in Gujarat. Lashing out at the centre for its failure to check the supply of drugs from Pakistan border, the Chief Minister said that despite of the fact that he had taken this issue at the highest level in the Government of India (GoI), the centre has miserably failed to act on it. He said that the worst thing was that the Union government was not also banning open sale of poppy husk in Rajasthan, which was proving bane for Punjab. When asked about the rising demand of formation of new states in the country, the Chief Minister said that the main reason for surge in this demand was the discrimination of centre in ensuring the development of states. Mr. Badal said that formation of Telangana state was a welcome step adding that centre should also consider the demands of smaller states sympathetically. He further said that with the centralization of powers by the union government the Federal structure of country has turned into unitary one due to which the state governments have virtually became beggars. Reiterating that only Punjab has legitimate right over capital city of Chandigarh, the Chief Minister said that the Congress has done grave injustice with the state by depriving it from capital despite of the fact that the parent state has the first and foremost right over capital. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra and Mr. Anil Joshi, Lok Sabha MP Dr. Rattan Singh Ajnala, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr. IS Bularia and Mr. Amarpal Singh Bonny, MLAs Mr. Manjeet Singh Manna and Mr. Baljeet Singh Jalal Usma, Special Principal Secreatry to Chief Minister Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh and Director Rural Development Mr. Raj Kamal Chaudhary. --- PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ISSUES TRANSFERS POLICY Chandigarh, August 01: The Punjab Government today issued guidelines for the general postings and transfers of officers and officials of the government in the state during 2013-14 Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that the transfers would be done from 1st August, 2013 to 31st August, 2013. Giving details of the broad guidelines to be adopted for the transfers the spokesman said that as per the policy of the state government transfers would be kept to the barest minimum and would be made against vacant post except where the transfers were justified on administrative or compassionate grounds. He also said the employees whether gazetted or non-gazetted due to retire within next two years, would be allowed to continue in the same district or at the same station of postings till retirement as far as possible. Referring to the transfer policy for couple cases, he said that when husband and wife both were serving the Government it was desirable to keep them at one station for a period of not more than five years, thereafter they would be transferred as per the policy. Even in the cases where the wife was in government service and the husband was working in private under taking, the same attitude would be adopted. However, efforts would be made to post unmarried girls and widows at stations suitable to them as far as possible. The spokesman explained that unmarried girls and widows would be given preference over couple cases in the matter of posting and transfers at stations convenient to them. The spokesman further said that to mitigate the suffering of the handicapped and the blind employees, the state government would be considerate in posting and transferring them. Sympathetic attitude would be adopted while posting or transferring a government employee or officers whose child was mentally challenged and efforts would be made to post them at the place of their choice. Adding further, he said that a stay of three years and five years would be treated respectively as the minimum and maximum period at a particular place. Similarly for employees transferable within the state particularly Group 'A' and Group 'B' officers, no employee would be allowed to serve in one district beyond a period of 7 years in his center service, within particular office, seats having sensitive nature of work such as extensive public dealings, establishment, monetary sanctions etc. would be clearly defined and maximum stay would be kept at 2 years. Premature transfers i.e. transfer of any employee before he has completed minimum three years would not be ordered except under rare circumstances of punishment or clearly spelt out administrative reasons, the spokesman clarified. The employees or officers who were posted in the border areas, bet areas and Kandi areas would remain there for a minimum period of 2 years, he added. FIVE ITIs OF THE STATE SELECTED FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDING Rs. 1.5 CRORE WOULD BE GIVEN AS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO AUGMENT ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES CHANDIGARH. AUGUST 1: The Union Government today selected Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) of Punjab for additional funding of Rs. 1.5 crore each, keeping in view their top class performance on every parameter. Disclosing this here today, Mr. Anil Joshi, Minister for Technical Education and Industrial Training, said that It was a matter of great pride for the technical education department of Punjab that five ITIs have been selected by Director General Employment and Training (DGE&T) of GOI for additional funds of Rs 1.5 crore each. He said that the ITIs which have been selected for Rs 1.5 crore additional grant included government Industrial Training Institute for Women, Amritsar, government Industrial Training Institute for women, Jalandhar, government Industrial Training Institute for women, Kheowali, district Mukutsar, government Industrial Training Institute, Samrala and government Industrial Training Institute, Kadiyan. He said that DGE&T has upgraded 26 ITIs in the state under vocational training improvement project (VTIP) with the assistance of World Bank. He said that the five new ITIs which have been selected are those institutions which excelled in providing better education in fashion technology. Mr. Joshi further said that accordingly action plan has been sent to GOI for release of funds to start new Trades like Architectural Assistant, Interior Decoration & Designing, Hair and Skin Care, Dental Lab Technician and Medical Lab Transcription etc. in selected ITIs. PUNJAB ASKS ALL DEPARTMENTS TO EXPEDITE SANCTION FOR PROSECUTION TO VIGILANCE
CHANDIGAH, AUGUST 1: The Punjab Government has issued directions to all departments to expedite sanctions for prosecutions sought by Vigilance Department in various cases and ensure the compliance of this order within 20 days. The Departments have been also directed not to launch parallel administrative enquiries wherever the enquiry of vigilance was on as per the direction of Supreme Court. A spokesman of the Punjab Government said that Under Secretary Vigilance has reiterated the instructions under which Vigilance Bureau has to complete the enquiry within 3 months and send the reports to concerned administrative departments seeking grant of sanction for prosecution. The competitive authority is supposed to take a decision on sanction for prosecution relying on the record available with the investigating officer. The Departments are supposed to place the matter before respective committee wherever there was delay for granting sanction and Vigilance Bureau was supposed to monitor the delay. The government has also brought to the notice of various departments the directions of Supreme Court on the practice of parallel enquiries launched by various departments just to deny sanction for prosecution. The spokesman said that Supreme Court had clearly directed that grant of sanction was only administrative function where the evidence collected during the investigation has to be placed before competent authority which is then to prima facie satisfy itself as to whether or not the relevant facts constitutes an offence. He said that Apex Court has observed that in view of the matter there is no occasion for launching of parallel departmental enquiries or for granting personal hearing before the competent authority reaches its conclusion. He said that the Supreme Court had directed that such practices needed to be dispensed with in order to ensure early decision on cases where sanction for prosecution has been sought by the vigilance bureau.
The Spokesman said that directions have been issued to all departments to ensure grant of sanction for prosecution in all pending cases as per the directions of the Supreme Court. PUT CLU, TP AND MAP PENDING CASES ON FAST TRACK; CHUNNI LAL BHAGAT DIRECTS OFFICERS CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 1: Adopting a strict stance on the lackluster approach of the officers for cases of Change of Land Use (CLU), Town Planning (TP), and Map passing in urban areas Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Minister for Local Bodies, Punjab, today issued strict instruction to the officers to put all these pending cases on fast track and clearance within two days. Mr. Bhagat also directed the officers to send compliance report with remarks that no case is pending in this regard. He was presiding over a high level review meeting of the department in which these instructions were issued. The Minister said that concerned officer would be held responsible for any delay in the clearance of all these cases. "Strict instruction would be taken against the erring officers", said Mr. Bhagat. He said that the SAD-BJP government is committed for the over all development of the cities by providing world class infrastructure and better road connectivity in the urban areas to decongest the traffic. Mr. Bhagat also directed the officers to prepare the case for all those officers and other employees, the promotion of which is due. He said that the promotions of the employees would be done on priority bases. Prominent among other who were present in the meeting included Mr. Ashok Gupta, Secretary Local Bodies, Mr. Priyank Bharti, Director, Mr. M.S. Aujala, Director Town Planning and Mr. B.S.Brar, State Town Planning. ----------- TRAINING FOR DAIRY FARMERS COMMENCES ON AUGUST 26 CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 01 : The Punjab government, in order to equip the dairy farmers with the latest technology in the field and initiate various schemes to impart hi-tech training to them. The next batch of training would commence from August 26. Disclosing this here today Animal Husbandry Minister Punjab S. Gulzar Singh Ranike said that the training programmes would be initiated in dairy training centres Bija, Tarntarn, Phagwara, Chatamali, Gill, Sardulgarh, Abul Khurana and Verka. He said that for the selection of candidates interview session would be held on each training centre on August 16 at 11a.m. The Minister said that the interested farmers between the age of 18 to 45 and possessing dairy farms not less than five milch animals may apply for the 45 days training. He said that the prospectus for the training could be get by paying Rs. 100 which is available at the office of Deputy Director/Dairy development officer of the respective district and at each training centre. The fee for general candidate is Rs. 3500/- and Rs. 3000/- for SC candiates. The fee would have to be deposited immediatly after the selection. The hostle facility would also be available . ---------------- FOUR LANING OF PATHANKOT-AMRITSAR AND BHOGPUR-MUKERIAN 80% COMPLETE: SHARANJIT DHILLON CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 1: The Project of four laning of Pathankot-Amritsar and Bhogpur-Mukerian is 80% complete and the remaining work would be completed by December, 2013. Disclosing this here today Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, PWD Minister, Punjab said that the four laning of 102.43 km long stretch of Pathankot-Amritsar road was being done with the cost of 800 crore whereas Rs. 300 crore would be spent on the four laning of 44 km long road from Bhogpur to Mukerian. The Minister informed that four major four lane projects are also under construction in the state including Ropar-Chamkaur Sahib-Neelon-Doraha, Morinda-Kurali-Siswan, Kotkapura-Sri Muktsar Sahib and Batala-Mehta-Beas. He said that these projects would be completed by December, 2014, which would provide a big sigh of relief to daily commuters from traffic congestions besides saving their precious time and energy. The expenditure on these four projects covering 149.80 km stretch of road would be Rs. 454 crore. Divulging the details of the four laning projects that have already been completed Mr. Dhillon said that Dhilwan-Amritsar, Amritsar-Wagha Border, Jalandhar-Bhogpur, Mukerian-Pathankot, Kurali-Kiratpur Sahib and Zirakpur-Ambala Road have been four laned with the cost of 1466 crore. He said that these six projects cover 230 km long stretch of roads. Mr. Dhillon said that SAD-BJP government has also chalked out a plan to construct bridges, widening and strengthening of roads and construction of flyovers, where needed, in the state since the department was working on this plan at ground level. He said that a special emphasis was paying by the Punjab Government in this regard to further bring improvement in the road network besides connecting all parts of the state with upgraded roads.
|
|
|
NRI PUNJAB NEWS |
|